Board approves High Road contract as district readies alternate program; parents to be notified after Growing Minds contract finalized

The Marion City Schools Board of Education on June 16 approved a master service agreement with Specialized Education of Ohio (High Road) to provide services for students whose individualized education programs (IEPs) require a private, separate setting.

District leaders told the board they are negotiating a separate contract with Growing Minds to create an in‑district alternative that officials say would provide similar services at lower cost. Superintendent Murphy said the Growing Minds agreement is not yet complete and the district will notify parents and hold outreach (including phone calls and a planned open house) once that contract is finalized.

The board action authorized a continuing relationship with High Road while district staff finalize the alternate program. The superintendent and board members repeatedly stressed that parent communication and consent are required before any change in a student’s placement; board members asked for a clear timeline and communications plan once the Growing Minds contract is executed.

Why it matters: Marion currently pays what the administration described in the meeting as a high per‑student cost for out‑of‑district placements; administrators said a local partner could reduce the district’s spending while keeping services available. Board members emphasized the need to balance cost savings with clear, timely communication to families and to preserve parents’ rights under the IEP process.

What the board discussed and decided - The board approved a master service agreement with Specialized Education of Ohio, Inc., operator of High Road School of Marion County. The contract is a master agreement for the 2025‑26 school year; administrators said it does not fix a single student count and the district will pay per student as placements occur. The board voted in favor by roll call (yes votes recorded). (Action: approved.) - Administrators said they are negotiating a separate contract with Growing Minds to provide local programming; that contract had a final issue outstanding at the time of the meeting and may be called for a special June meeting. After Growing Minds’ contract is executed, the district will implement a communication plan to contact affected parents by letter and phone and offer an open house for the program. - Board members asked staff to present a timeline and the communications plan to the board once the Growing Minds contract is ready; they also requested a short presentation or handout explaining the placement/IEP process and parental rights.

Details and clarifications mentioned in the meeting - The contract with High Road was described as a one‑year master agreement that allows the district to place students as needed; administrators said about five students were expected under the current contract but more students could be placed if necessary and if the IEPs require it. - Administrators said the district currently pays “almost $60,000 per student” to place students at High Road (figure discussed aloud in the meeting). Administrators said a local program could yield “well into the millions of dollars” in savings across years, though they also stressed student services and outcomes are the primary priority. - Officials reiterated that a parent may decline a proposed change of placement under an IEP; moving a student into another setting requires the IEP team process or, if unresolved, formal due process.

Voices from the meeting - Superintendent Murphy (Superintendent): presented the contract and explained next steps for Growing Minds and parent communications. - Board Member Dyer (Board member): pressed for clarity on parent notification and the timeline for communicating placement changes. - Board Member Ratliff (Board member) and other board members: asked for detail on program capacity, timing, and how parents will be contacted.

What’s next: District staff said they may call a special board meeting in June to approve the Growing Minds contract. Once that contract is executed, the district will notify families and proceed with the communications plan discussed at the meeting.